Eye protective devices



1956 c. A. ELLIS 2,758,308

EYE PROTECTIVE DEVICES Filed March 2, '1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR CHARLES A. E1443 AT T0 RNEY Aug. 14, 1956 C. A. ELLIS EYE PROTECTIVE DEVICES Filed March 2, 1953 I 2 SheeEs-Sheet 2 INVENTOR CHARLES A. ELUS ATTORNEY EYE PROTECTIVE nnvrcns Charles A. Ellis, Southbridge, Mass, assignor to American Optical Company, Southbridge, Mass, a voluntary association of Massachusetts Application March 2, 1953, Serial No. 339,686

Claims. (Cl. 2-14) This invention relates to improvements in eye-protective devices and has particular reference to the provision of a simple, durable and inexpensive light-weight goggle applicable to a Wide variety of uses.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to pro vide a goggle or similar type of eye-protective device of the above character which embodies improved means for com fortably supporting the device in position of use before the eyes.

Another object is to provide an eye-protective device embodying a one-piece lens and a frame therefor so constructed and arranged with cooperatively functioning connection means as to permit easy and quick interchanging of lenses.

Another object is to provide a goggle which is particularly well adapted for use by individuals exposed to corrosive atmospheres, the goggle being formed almost entirely of economical corrosion-resistant materials and which can be produced rapidly and at low unit costs.

Another object is to provide a goggle of the above character which is provided with resilient face-engaging portions which will comfortably conform to the contours of a Wearers face.

Another object is to provide a frame for a goggle of the above character, which frame is designed so as to have a portion of controlled weakness along an axis of symmetry in the nasal region and substantially in the plane of the lens for producing the effect of a hinge without requirement of further alteration of the frame.

Another object is to provide a goggle frame of the above character wherein the material of the portion of controlled Weakness is all disposed essentially in one plane to reduce stiffness and resistance to bending while maintaining durability.

Still another object is to provide an eye-protective device with improved means for adjustably attaching a headband thereto whereby the device may be comfortably supported on the face with substantially uniform pressure throughout the face-engaging portion thereof and will retain said relation with the face during the use thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an eye-protective device embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

2,75,3d Patented Aug. 14, 1956 Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are enlarged sectional views taken substantially on lines 7-7, 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10 respectively of Fig. 2 looking in the directions of the arrows;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a lens;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one end of the device illustrating a further method of forming the means for attachment of the headband; and

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a goggle having an auxiliary lens attached thereto.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein like characters of reference designate like parts throughout the several views, the invention is embodied in an eyeprotective device comprising a lens 20 which is supported in a frame 21 having an eye-encircling face-engaging mask 22 attached to the rear side thereof. The lens 20 may be formed of any transparent flexible plastic material which may, if desired, be provided with color or other desired light-altering or absorptive characteristics.

The frame 21 is preferably formed of a plastic material such as polyethylene whereby it will be relatively corrosion resistant, light in weight, and somewhat ilexible. The frame 21 is also preferably formed as a unitary structure having lower rim portions 24 shaped to follow the nasal and lower contour edges of the lens 26 and having an upper transverse extending portion 25 shaped to follow the upper contour edge of the lens 24). The end portions 26 of the frame 21, however, are relatively wide and extend rearwardly over a portion of the wearers temples when the device is in position of use. The frame 21 is thus adapted to encircle the lens 2t) and is provided with an inner groove or channel 23 in which the peripheral edge of the lens 20 rests. The lens 29 can be easily assembled with the frame 21 by merely flexing the lens, inserting it in the groove 23 and allowing it to return to its normal shape through its inherent resiliency whereupon it will remain securely in place.

The lower rim portions 24 of the frame 21 have flangelike portions 27 which extend rearwardly toward the face of the wearer and which are inclined inwardly and upwardly (Figs. 8, 9 and 10), the angle of inclination being relatively acute at their lowest extremities and being progressively less acute toward the sides and bridge portion.

The upper transversely extending portion 25 of the frame 21 is provided with a flange 28 which extends rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to the plane of the lens 29 (Figs. 3, 5 and 6). The lower flangelike portions 27 of the lower rim portions 24 are positioned Within a continuous channel or groove 31 formed in the lower edges of lower wall portions 32 of the mask 22. Thus, the lower portions of the frame 21 and mask 22 may be easily attached together.

The mask 22 is preferably formed of soft molded rubber or similar material which is shaped to fit the general facial characteristics of most individuals and which, through its inherent flexibility and resiliency, will conform readily to the face of a wearer.

The mask 22 is formed as a single unitary structure having a pair of spaced openings connected by an opening in the central or bridge area to form, in efiect, a single elongated sight opening encircling the eyes of a wearer. The eye-encircling portions of the mask are provided with walls or sides 33, (Figs. 5 and 6) of which the aforementioned lower wall portions 32 form a part, the walls 33 extending rearwardly in a direction away from the frame 21 for engagement with the wearers face. The walls 33 taper from comparative thickness to substantial thinness as they progress rearwardly and thus as they engage the face of the wearer they will easily adjust themselves to the contours of the face. A similar upwardly extending wall portion 30 is provided for engagement with the forehead of the wearer.

The mask 22 is also formed with a forwardly extending flange 29 throughout the periphery of the top and upper sides of the eye opening, which flange 29 engages the inner or lower surface of the rearwardly extending flange 28 formed on the adjacent portions of the frame 21 as shown in Figs. and 6. The flange 29 is cemented or otherwise relatively fixedly secured to the flange 28.

It will be noted that in the nasal area of the device, the portion 32a of the mask which underlies the adjacent flange-like portion 27 (Figs. 1, 2 and 6) is of suflicient length to extend below the edge of the adjacent portion of the lower rim portions 24 and thus serves to cushion the structure upon the nose of a wearer.

The front wall and bottom portion of the groove or channel 23 in the frame are removed in two spaced .areas 34 and 34' on either side of the upper nasal portion of the device (see Figs. 1 and 2). Within the spaced recesses 34 and 34' are located interfitting tongues 35 and 35' which are provided on the edge of the lens 20. The tongues 35 and 35' extend within the recesses 34 and 34' and engage the frame to aid in locating and retaining the lens in desired assembled relation with the frame 21. The sides of the tongues 35 and 35 and the sides of the recesses 34 and 34 are inclined inwardly and downwardly to interlock with each other .and thus, when the lens is assembled with the frame, the nasal portion of the frame is restrained from downward movement relative to the lens and in the plane thereof. Similar pairs of tongues 36 and 36' are formed on the upper edge of the lens 20 (Figs. 2, 4, and 11) and engage respective ends of a pair of elongated openings 37 formed in the upper transversely extending portion of the frame 21, thus further aiding in locating and retaining the lens in desired position in the frame.

It will be noticed that in the nasal area, the portion 21a of the frame which engages the rear surface of the lens 20 extends somewhat higher than other portions thereof. This provides a firmer support for the lens when the device is in position of use.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 7, an elongated opening 38 is formed in the lower portions of the mask 22 and frame 21 beneath each eye portion of the lens 20 for introduction of air to the rear surfaces of the lens to prevent fogging. The air is thus allowed to pass into the structure through the openings 38 as shown by the arrows in Fig. 7. The air can escape by passing upwardly over the rear surface of the lens 20 and out through the openings 37 in the frame 21, as shown by the arrows in Figs. 4 and 5, the portions of the mask 22 adjacent the openings 37 also being removed for this purpose. It is apparent that cool air entering the interior of the goggles will become warmed by body heat and thus will pass upwardly out of the device. In moving air a venturi effect is created which will draw the air out of the upper openings in the device. The frame 21 is provided over the openings 37 with upwardly and rearwardly extending portions 39 for covering the openings 37 and thus preventing foreign matter from gaining easy access to the-interior of the structure.

The end portions 26 of the frame 21 are each provided with substantially vertically disposed slots 40 which extend from the top edge thereof downwardly into a second angularly disposed slot 41 (Fig. 1) which extends downwardly and inwardly. The lower edge of the end portions 26 are provided with similar slots 42 which extend upwardly into second upwardly and inwardly extending slots 43. The slots 41 and 43 converge-inwardly relative to each other. An elastic headband 44 has a loop portion 45 formed at each end thereof and adjustably secured thereto as by buckles 46. The loops 45 each extend over the front of the frame and rearwardly through the slots 41 and 43, being inserted therein through slots 40 and 42 respectively. Thus, a secure connection is made between the headband 44 and frame 21 which can not be readily accidentally detached when the device is being used. When the device is placed on the head of an individual, the headband 44, through its .inherent elasticity, will draw the mask 22 snugly in proper and comfortable wearing position. However, to adjust the device for a greater degree of comfort, the exposed portions of the loops can be manually manipulated in the slots 41 and 43 with respect to the frame 21. This will cause adjustment of the device in a vertical plane and change the division of pressure between the zygornat'ic arch and the frontal bone structure of the face. As shown in Fig. 12, the ends of slots 47 and 48 .may be flared or widened, in contrast to the slots 4'0 and 42 of the device shown in Fig. l, to permit the loops 45 of the headband 44 to be-even more readily inserted in and removedfrom the slots 41 and 43.

To provide greater flexibility of the frame 21 for automatic adjustment thereof about a centrally disposed vertical axis as tension is exerted by the headband 44 to urge the ends .of the frame 21 rearwardly toward the face of the wearer, substantially vertically aligned portions of the frame .21 in the bridge area are removed whereby the frame is scientifically weakened inthis area by an amount which, in .contrast with the relatively strong and rigid structure of the remainder of the frame, will allow the frame to bend at these points. The weakened area is provided in the upper transversely extending portion 25 where the material has been removed to form a notch 49 in the rearwardly extending flange 28 (Figs. 3 and 8). In the lower portionof the bridge 'at the upper extremity of the lower rim portions 24 and substantially equidistant between the recesses 34 and 34' is a notch 50 (Fig. 2). The portions having the notches 49 and 50 therein thus provide vertically disposed integral bendable hinge areas substantially in the plane of the lens whereby the portions of the frame on either side of the bridge area together with correlated lens portions can be moved in a direction toward and away from the wearers face, which adjustment is desirable not only when the deviceis being located in position of use but also when assembling a lens with the frame.

An additional desirable feature of the present invention is thatan auxiliary lens 51 may be easily removably attached to the device in overlying relation with the front surface of the frame 21 as shown in Figs. 3 and 13. The lens 51 is preferably in the form of an elongated sheet of flexible transparent plastic material which may possess any desired light-altering characteristics and which has at each end thereof connection means for securing the auxiliary lens 51 to the frame 21. Such connection means arepreferably snap fasteners 52 wherein the male portions 53 are carried by the auxiliary lens '51 and the cooperating female portions 54 are carried by the end portions 26 of the frame 21 or vice versa. The auxiliary lens 51 will, because of the size of the snap fasteners 52, be slightly spaced from the surfaces of the-end portions 26 of the frame 21, which spacing will allow adjustment of theloop portions 45 of'the headband 44 without necessitating removal of the auxiliary lens 51.

It will be noted from examination of Fig. 3 that in the bridge and nasal areas of the device, the frame 21 is depressed inwardly toward the mask 22 and thus there is provided a space, indicated by numeral 55, between the rear surface of the auxiliary lens 51 and the front surface of the frame 21. With such a construction, it will be apparent that rearward bending of the frame 21 about the aforementioned vertically disposed hinge areas adjacent the nasal portions of the frame will not be restricted or cause the connection means 52 to be separated as might be the case if the space 55 did not exist.

Thus, it will be understood that the auxiliary lens 51, when assembled with the frame 21 as described, will provide the device with additional eye-protective characteristics without interferring with the mechanical functioningthereof'in any way.

.It .is further pointed out that, .when assembling the main lens 20 with the frame 21, the lens is first flexed slightly to permit the temporal ends thereof to be placed within the channels in the retpective end portions of the frame. The tongues 3636' are then positioned within the recesses 37 with the upper intermediate portion of the lens fitting within the channel 23 in the upper portion 25 of the frame. The channelled end portions 26 of the frame function as pockets for retaining the adjacent ends of the lens against upward or downward movement with respect to said frame and thereby retain the tongues 3636' and the upper edge portion of the lens within the respective recesses 37 and channelled portion 23. Due to the fact that the tongues 3535' are angled downwardly and inwardly with respect to each other and that they fit within similarly angularly disposed recesses 34-64, they will prevent the nasal section of the frame from moving downwardly and away from the adjacent lower nasal portion of the lens. The said tongues 35-495 are held against outward displacement with respect to the recesses 3434' by the interfitting relation of the remaining lower contour edge portions of the lens with the channels or grooves in the adjacent opposed lower portions 24 of the frame 21.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that a device formed in accordance with the above teachings is simple in construction and arrangement of parts, and relatively economical to manufacture.

t is apparent that all of the objects and advantages of the invention have been accomplished. it will also be apparent, however, that changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of parts shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that all matter set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. An eye-protective device comprising a lens-supporting frame having a sight opening therein and having a substantially continuous channel throughout the inner surface of said sight opening for receiving a lens therein, a mask of resilient material carried by said frame and shaped to fit over the eyes of an individual and having a sight opening therein substantially in alignment with the sight opening in the frame, said frame having a pair of vertically spaced inwardly converging slots in each of the respective temporal sides thereof, and a headband terminating in loop portions formed of elastic material adjacent its opposed ends which extend through one of said respective converging slots down the side of the frame and out through the other slot back to the headband whereby the line of pull of the headband may be shifted upwardly or downwardly with respect to said lens-supporting frame.

2. An eye-protective device comprising a lens-supporting frame having a sight opening therein and having a substantially continuous channel throughout the inner surface of said sight Opening, a mask of resilient material shaped to fit over the eyes of an individual and having a sight opening therein, the portions of the mask defining the forward edge of the sight opening therein being shaped to interfit with adjacent portions of said frame whereby said sight openings in said frame and mask will be substantially in alignment, said frame further having spaced recesses formed therein which communicate with said continuous channel therein, a main lens formed of transparent flexible material carried by said frame within the sight opening therein with its marginal edges disposed within said channel and having integral projections which protrude from its marginal edges and extend into said recesses in the frame, said frame further having substantially aligned recesses formed on an axis of symmetry in the nasal area thereof both above and below the lens, the bottoms of said recesses being substantially in the plane of the lens for permitting said relatively rigid frame to bend in said areas to produce a hinge-like effect sub stantially on said axis of symmetry, a headband having loop portions formed of elastic material at each end thereof, said loop portions being extended through angularly disposed spaced slots provided therefor in each end of said frame for supporting the device in position of use, and an auxiliary lens mounted over the front of said frame in superimposed relation with said main lens, said auxiliary lens being removably connected at each end to said frame and having its end portions spaced slightly from said frame whereby said loop portions of the headband may be readily adjusted while said auxiliary lens is in assembled relation with said frame.

3. An eye-protective device comprising a lens-supporting frame of relatively rigid light-weight material having a sight opening therein and having a substantially continuous channel throughout the inner surface of said sight opening, said frame having a rearwardly extending flange thereon, -a mask of resilient cushioning material shaped to fit the face about the eyes of an individual and having a sight opening therein, the portions of the mask defining the lower forward edge of its sight opening having a groove therein in which the lower portion of the flange extends, and the portions of the mask which define the sides and top of its sight opening having integral portions in side surface contact with adjacent portions of the flange and means for securing said portions together, whereby said sight openings in said frame and mask will be substantially in alignment, said frame further having spaced recesses formed in its upper and lower portions communicating with said continuous channel thereof, a lens carried by said frame within the sight opening therein with its marginal edge disposed within said channel and further having spaced integral projections on its upper and lower marginal edges interfitting with said adjacently located recesses in the frame and means connected to respective ends of the frame for supporting the device in position of use.

4. An eye-protective device comprising a relatively shallow one-piece lens-supporting frame formed of relatively rigid light-weight material having a sight opening therein, a substantially continuous channel throughout the inner surface of said sight opening for receiving a lens therein and a rearwardly disposed flange surrounding said sight opening, said flange, throughout the lower portion of the sight opening, tapering inwardly and upwardly, a mask of resilient cushioning material shaped to fit the face about the eyes of an individual and having a sight opening therein, the lower portions of the mask defining the lower forward edge of the sight opening having a groove therein in which the lower portion of the flange extends and the portions of the mask which define the sides and top of its sight opening having integral portions in side surface contact with adjacent portions of the flange and means for securing said portions together, whereby said sight openings in said frame and mask will be substantially in alignment, the flange of said frame being notched and weakened on an axis of symmetry in the upper and lower nasal areas thereof both above and below the intermediate region of the lens for permitting said relatively rigid frame to bend in said areas to produce a hinge-like effect substantially on said axis of symmetry, and means connected to respective ends of the frame for supporting the device in position of use.

5. An eye protective device comprising a relatively rigid lens supporting frame of light-weight material curved substantially to the curvature of the face of an individual, said lens supporting frame having a sight opening therein, a substantially continuous channel throughout the inner surface of said sight opening and relatively wide end portions extending rearwardly of the temporal sides of said sight opening, said relatively wide end portions each being provided with substantially vertically disposed slots extending inwardly of the upper and lower edges thereof and each communicating with inner angularly disposed slots which converge inwardly relative to each other toward the sight opening, said lens supporting frame further having 'a relatively thin rearwardly extending flange about said sight opening, a mask of resilient cushioning material shaped to fit the face about the eyes of the individual and having a sight opening therein, the portions of the mask defining the forward edge of its sight opening being shaped to fit with the flange, means for securing said forward edge With said flange with said sight openings in said frame and mask in substantial alignment, a lens carried by said supporting frame with its marginal edge disposed Within said channel, and a resilient headband having loop portions on the opposed ends thereof each of which are positioned Within the inwardly converging slots with an intermediate portion thereof spanning said slots and beings-adjustable in said slots to vary the direction of pull of the headband on said device whereby a more proper and comfortable Wearing position may be obtained.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Will'son et al Mar, 6, 1934 Bernheim et al. Oct. 30,, 1945 Joyce Aug. 27, 1946 DuBois June, 17, 1947 Malcom Aug. 7, 1951 Tanis Nov. 13, 1951 Moeller Ian. 15, 1952 Moeller Jan. 20, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain 1902 

